Augustana University Athletics

Augustana's 1973 football team came within three points of an undefeated season due in part to a tenacious defense that yielded just 147 points in 10 games.

The defense featured an experienced backfield led by two time All-North Central Conference linebacker Jeff Fisher (1972 and 1973). Augustana posted a 6-3-1 record with its three conference losses to the University of South Dakota by seven points, North Dakota State (the conference co-champion) by two points, and the University of North Dakota by four points. The Vikings battled
South Dakota State University to a tie and finished third in the NCC's final regular season standings. Augustana outscored its first three opponents, 113-25.

The NDSU game was one of Fisher's most memorable efforts as he was in on 27 tackles. "We got beat in a close game, but NDSU knew it had been in a tough football game," Jeff says.

Said Viking head coach Ralph Starenko,"The seniors were a big factor in our season. They gave us the leadership, the dedication to our goals, confidence, and the necessary concentration to achieve the jobs that had to be done."

Fisher,who twice was named to the All-Lutheran Team, served as a tri-captain on a defensive unit that intercepted 18 passes in 1973. The Vikings set 21 team and individual records and matched four others. Fisher received the Vikings' "Hardest Hit Award" in 1973 and was also named Defensive Player of the Year.